# CVE-2026-0797: GIMP heap-based buffer overflow in ICO file parsing

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-0797-gimp-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-ico-file-parsing  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-02-20. Updated: 2026-06-30  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-0797 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-02-20

GIMP is a popular open-source image editing program used for graphic design and photo manipulation. A security vulnerability in how the software handles ICO (icon) files could allow an attacker to take control of a user's computer if they are tricked into opening a specially crafted malicious image file. This could lead to the theft of sensitive data, installation of malware, or complete system compromise.

Technologies: [Gimp](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/gimp). Vendors: [Gimp](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/gimp).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-0797 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-0797 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-0797?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 20 February 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Gimp 2.8.22, 3.0.4.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-0797?** A patch was published on 2026-01-30: GIMP project issued a fix via commit 69cc6b1a Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-0797 attacked?** It is attacked over the network or with local access, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-0797?** Check whether you run Gimp at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in GIMP's ICO file parsing component due to insufficient validation of user-supplied data lengths before copying them into a heap buffer. The vulnerability is triggered when the application processes a specially crafted ICO file. While categorized as a local attack vector in some contexts because it requires the user to open a file, it is effectively a remote code execution (RCE) threat if delivered via a malicious website or email attachment. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running GIMP. Patches have been released by the GIMP project and downstream vendors like Red Hat (RHSA-2026:4173, RHSA-2026:5113).

## Affected products

- GIMP GIMP 2.8.22, 3.0.4
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream 8, 9

## Timeline

- 2025-12-24: disclosed: Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2026-01-30: advisory: Coordinated public release of ZDI advisory
- 2026-01-30: patched: GIMP project issued a fix via commit 69cc6b1a
- 2026-02-20: advisory: NVD publication date
- 2026-03-10: patched: Red Hat released security updates for REL 9

## References

- [https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/69cc6b1a6645dc9c4d7b484483dbe6a84b922b9c](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/69cc6b1a6645dc9c4d7b484483dbe6a84b922b9c)
- [https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-050/](https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-050/)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:4173](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:4173)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:5113](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:5113)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:5388](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:5388)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:5389](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:5389)
- [https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:5390](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:5390)

## Related threats

- [GIMP use-after-free in XCF path loader](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-112261-a-flaw-was-found-in-gimp-opening-a-crafted-xcf-that-selects-a)
- [GIMP use-after-free in XCF loader](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-112258-a-flaw-was-found-in-gimp-the-xcf-loader-can-leave-a-dangling)
- [GIMP integer overflow in file-pvr plug-in](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-62439-a-flaw-was-found-in-gimp-an-integer-overflow-occurs-in-the-file)
- [GIMP heap buffer overflow in raw data export](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-106066-a-heap-based-buffer-overflow-was-found-in-gimp-s-raw-data-export)
- [GIMP heap buffer overflow in GIF export](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-106064-a-heap-based-buffer-overflow-was-found-in-gimp-s-gif-export-plug)